coronavirus

Coronavirus in DC, Maryland, Virginia: What to Know on July 12

Here's what to know about the coronavirus data and reopening across the D.C. area

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This article is no longer being updated. Go here for the coronavirus news on July 13, 2020.

Montgomery County Public Schools is the latest school system in the region to release an anticipated plan for reopening in the fall. A draft of their guidelines was released Saturday that would blend virtual learning with in-person instruction.

School is expected to resume on a virtual-only basis on Monday, Aug. 31 before students come back to the classroom in phases.


What the Data Shows

The number of new COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Virginia each day has been ticking up since a low point in late June.

But the 904 new infections recorded on Friday is the highest single-day increase the state has seen in over a month. It's nearly 300 cases larger than the number that was added the previous day, 608.

More time and data is needed to tell if this is an outlying spike. The last time Virginia counted more than 900 new cases was June 7.

The Commonwealth saw an additional 867 cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 67,830.

Spikes can occur because of a backlog of test results being announced. However, Virginia's seven-day average of new cases has been trending upward this month.

Outside the commonwealth, Maryland's trend in growing new cases continues.

In the District, an overall plateau continues but the new case numbers have fluctuated in the past week. In the past week, July 4 had a low number with 12 new infections. Wednesday had a jump of 73 cases, on Thursday reported 37 new cases and rose to 46 on Sunday.

The map below shows the number of coronavirus cases diagnosed per 1,000 residents.

Coronavirus Cases in DC, Maryland and Virginia

COVID-19 cases by population in D.C. and by county in Maryland and Virginia

Source: DC, MD and VA Health Departments
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington


Local Coronavirus Headlines

  • Virginia's governor said he could bring back tougher restrictions after the state reported more than 900 new coronavirus infections Friday, the highest daily total in more than a month. Read more.
  • Prince George's County remains among the top 50 U.S. counties for coronavirus infections, but the metrics are improving. Read more.
  • D.C. is seeing up to a 7-day wait for individuals' coronavirus test results to come back as demand increases. Read more.

Reopening Tracker

  • Virginia entered phase three reopening on July 1, loosening restrictions on restaurants, stores, gyms and pools.
  • Prince George's County entered full phase two on June 23, allowing the MGM Casino and gyms to reopen.
  • Washington, D.C., entered phase two on June 22, allowing indoor dining, gyms, libraries and houses of worship to reopen with restrictions.
  • Montgomery County entered phase two on June 19, reopening with restrictions gyms, houses of worship, indoor dining and retail.
  • Maryland entered phase two of reopening on June 10, permitting indoor dining, outdoor pools and outside amusements to reopen.

How to Stay Safe

There are ways to lower your risk of catching coronavirus. Here are the CDC guidelines.

  • Wear a snug-fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth. 
  • Avoid being indoors with people who are not members of your household. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19. If you are indoors with people you don’t live with, stay at least six feet apart and keep your mask on. 
  • Wash your hands often, especially after you have been in a public place.

Sophia Barnes, Andrea Swalec and Anisa Holmes contributed to this report

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